MPA Student Demographics
Students come to the MPA program from many parts of Washington state, other states and foreign countries. They bring a wide range of educational, work, and personal experiences. We believe that drawing from many perspectives and a multiplicity of ideas enhances learning, encourages learning across differences, and exposes students and faculty to a breadth of perspectives as they consider critical issues facing the public and nonprofit sectors and tribal governments. Special emphasis will be placed on the contributions made by men and women of different cultures, races and communities to organizations in the public sector.
The educational backgrounds and employment histories of our students are diverse. Students returning to school after several years in the workforce comprise a significant proportion of each class, but others come to the program directly after completing an undergraduate degree. Their average age is 35, but they range from their early twenties to into their sixties. About half enroll full-time in the MPA program. Most work at least part-time in addition to their studies, and many work full-time. Their career interests include education, health, human resources, information technology, law enforcement, management, social services, transportation and tribal governance.
Our graduates are often recognized for their abilities in writing, speaking, critical thinking, connecting theory with practice, appreciating cultural differences, and the ability to integrate information. They have a sense of involvement and social responsibility, whether it is a part of their career or activities outside their workplace. Virtually all areas within the public sector employ our graduates, including city, county, state, tribal and federal governments. Some work in nonprofit organizations, some in the private sector, while others pursue a doctorate or a law degree.
For example, here is a list of selected job titles of some of our students and alumni:
- Training Specialist for a non-profit organization
- Communications Manager for a state agency
- Executive Director for a non-profit
- Human Resources Consultant for a state agency
- Comprehensive Planner for a local city
- Legislative Analyst for a state agency
- Administrator for division of state law enforcement agency
- Program Manager with local non-profit
- Prevention Manager for a state agency
- Research Manager for a federal agency
- Recruitment Manager for a state agency
- Education and Outreach Specialist for a local county
- Capital Campaign Manager with local non-profit
- Lobbyist for a local non-profit
- Senior Research Analyst for a state agency
- Legislative Liaison for state agency
- Housing Division Manager for a state agency
- Sustainability Coordinator for a college
- Forecast Analyst for a state agency
- Faculty at a college
- Operations Manager for a library system